In conversation, native speakers tend to use phrasal verbs in opposition to the more formal Latinate verb. A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and a preposition with a different meaning from the original main verb. Instead of saying "I’ll arrange a meeting with our building services engineer", Tim Smith just said: "I’ll set up a meeting with our building services engineer."
Some compounds are used literally and translate directly into German, like "I’d have to find out exactly which ones might be appropriate", and are easily understood. Others with figurative and idiomatic meaning, such as "We’d like to go green," are far more difficult to understand.
Complete the dialogue between the architect and the building services engineer by choosing the correct preposition. Then listen to the conversation to check your results.
Tim: So, that’s the preliminary design. Now let’s take a look at the building services.
Frank:Hang on! Where did you say the plant room was?
Tim: Well, it’s here. Do you think you’ll be able to get by with this slightly limited space?
Frank:Hmm, I’m not sure. But tell me first what you’ve got in mind.
Tim:For hot water and heating, I’d like to suggest using solar collectors and a pellet burner to cover peak loads.
Frank:Yes, that always works well. We’ve just taken on a solar expert. I’ll have to ask her to put in some extra hours for this project. We’ll have to draw up some new plans and work out the costs
Tim:Talking about costs. Naturally the client is on a tight budget. I’d really like to put together a list comparing the costs of a conventional building and what we’ve got in mind here. Of course, this should take into account the building’s total life cycle.
Frank:That’s no problem at all. Let’s try and keep to the budget. Eco construction doesn’t have to add up to more, quite the opposite, we could even try to bring down the total cost.
Tim: Thanks, Frank. We’re definitely on the same wavelength again. Let’s set up a meeting for this time next week. I’ll look forward to hearing what you’ve come up with.
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